Overview
This lecture introduces the study of church history, explains its significance, and provides background on the biblical narrative leading to the founding of the church.
What is Church History and Why Study It?
- Church history is the study of the spread of Jesus's influence throughout history.
- Despite unlikely beginnings, Christianity developed into the most influential religious movement.
- Studying church history can make us humble by showing recurring mistakes and heresies.
- It fills us with hope, showing the church's survival against persecution and adversity.
- Church history grounds our identity as citizens of God's kingdom, connecting us to a spiritual family.
- Knowing church history is essential to understanding our role in the ongoing story of God’s people.
Overview of the Biblical Narrative
- The Old Testament tells a story of creation, fall, and redemption through covenants.
- Key covenants: with Abraham (promise of land and blessing), with Moses (conditional on law-keeping), and with David (promise of eternal throne).
- Despite repeated failure and exile, God preserves a remnant and promises restoration and a Messiah.
- Prophets foretell a suffering servant (Isaiah 53), a new heart (Jeremiah 31), and outpouring of the Spirit (Joel 2).
- By Jesus's time, Jews lived under Roman rule with various religious responses: Sadducees, Pharisees, Essenes, and Zealots.
The Context for Christianity’s Birth
- The Middle East was united by Greek language (Septuagint) and Roman stability (Pax Romana).
- Common language and roads enabled rapid spread of ideas and the Gospel.
- Synagogues established throughout the empire provided places for teaching and discussion.
Jesus and His Unique Message
- Jesus, considered the Messiah, taught repentance and the nearness of God’s kingdom.
- He rejected political revolution, focusing instead on inward transformation and a new covenant through his death.
- His claim to be God led to his crucifixion by Roman authorities, prompted by Jewish leaders.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Church History — The study of the influence and spread of Jesus and Christianity over time.
- Covenant — A solemn, binding agreement between God and key biblical figures.
- Pax Romana — "Roman Peace," a period of stability and order during the Roman Empire.
- Septuagint — The Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures.
- Messiah — The anointed one promised by God to deliver and restore Israel.
- Sadducees, Pharisees, Essenes, Zealots — Jewish groups with different responses to Roman rule and religious life.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the biblical narrative and major Old Testament covenants.
- Look for the list of primary sources to deepen your study (to be provided in future lessons).